Commissioner Bush Shares First Year Achievements for Texas Veterans

Commissioner Bush (r) and John Berkely, Deputy Director of Texas State Veterans Homes, speak to a Texas Veteran about her benefits

On Tuesday, January 12, Texas General Land Office (GLO) Commissioner George P. Bush unveiled a new website announcing the accomplishments of the GLO team under his first year in office. As chairman of the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) and a U.S. Navy Veteran deployed to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, Commissioner Bush made outreach to Texas Veterans, military members and their dependents a priority in 2015.

As Chairman of the VLB, Commissioner Bush raised the land loan limit by 25% from $100,000 to $125,000, making it easier for Texas Veterans to obtain the financing they need to pursue their dream of owning land in Texas.

Commissioner Bush launched a new website for Texas Veterans, a state-of-the-art portal through which Texas Veterans can learn about land, home and home improvement loans, Texas State Veterans Homes, and burial benefits at Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.

Having seen the devastating effect of post-traumatic stress on our Veterans, Commissioner Bush also initiated a first of its kind program in the eight Texas State Veterans Homes to better identify and treat Post Traumatic Stress, ensuring that Texas will care for the next generation of men and women who have fought for this country.

Under Commissioner Bush’s leadership, the VLB board passed sweeping changes to a handful of policies at all four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, eliminating the cost of spousal interment, extending visiting hours and relaxing flower policies. These policies will become permanent following the completion of the rule making process.

In 2015 Commissioner Bush laid the groundwork for continuing to serve our Texas Veterans at a higher level in the future. The VLB Texas State Veterans Home Program received a grant award from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for a ninth Texas State Veterans Home near Houston.

“We took these steps because they are the least we can do for those who have done so much for each and every one of us. Our military veterans have navigated the angry waters of conflict around the world and we owe them a safe and peaceful harbor here at home,” said Bush.

Commissioner Bush believes it is these efforts that will help Texas continue to be the best state in the nation not just for current Veterans, but also for the next generation of soldier, sailor, airman and marine. Commissioner Bush and his team will continue to spread the word about benefits, services and resources available to Texas Veterans, military members and their dependents in 2016.

For more information about the Texas Veterans Land Board please visit www.TexasVeterans.com or call 1–800–252-VETS (8387).

(L-R) Commissioner Bush addresses Texas Veterans at the 2015 Texas VFW Mid-Winter Conference in Austin | Commissioner Bush shoots a public service announcement about the VLB to spread the word to Veterans all over Texas

(L-R) Commissioner Bush receives a warm greeting from Texas Veterans and their spouses down in Corpus Christi | Commissioner Bush speaks with a Texas Veteran about the VLB Land Loan Program

(L-R) Commissioner Bush and a Texas Veteran | Michael Hagee General, USMC (Retired) and CEO of The Nimitz Foundation, introduces Commissioner Bush as the keynote speaker at the 70th Anniversary of V-J Day event at the National Museum of the Pacific War

(L-R) Commissioner Bush listens to U.S. Navy Veteran Sam Sorenson on the 70th Anniversary of V-J Day in August, 2015 | Commissioner Bush visits with a Veteran resident at the 10th Anniversary celebration of the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home in El Paso on August 28, 2015

(L-R) Commissioner Bush greets Ernesto Pedregon Martinez, a celebrated muralist and resident of the Ambrosio Guillen Texas State Veterans Home in El Paso | Commissioner Bush visits VFW Post 6873 in Abilene on Veterans Day